High throughput SNP chip as cost effective new monitoring tool for assessing invasion dynamics in the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi

High throughput low-density SNP arrays provide a cost-effective solution for population genetic studies and monitoring of diversity as well structure commonly implemented in real time stock assessment commercially important fish species. However, the application high invasive species has so far not been implemented. We developed species-specific array comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi based on whole genome re-sequencing data. Initially, total 1,395 quality SNPs were identified using stringent filtering criteria. From those, 192 assays designed validated, resulting final panel 116 SNPs. Markers diagnostic between northern southern M. lineages highly polymorphic to distinguish populations. Despite reduced representation genome, our yielded comparable results approach (832,323 SNPs), recovering similar values differentiation samples detecting same clustering groups when performing Structure analyses. The resource presented here provides cost-effective, studies, allowing routinely genotype large number individuals. Monitoring effective size estimations this will allow early detection new introductions from distant source regions or hybridization events. Thereby, chip represents an management tool order understand invasion dynamics opens door implementing such methods wider range non-indigenous